New Bern Tourism and Attractions

Tourist Attractions in New Bern, NC are unique and unforgettable. Take a casual stroll through the enchanting historic district filled with lovingly restored mansions from the city's past. Tour the faithfully re-created Colonial Governor's Palace, or catch one of the many re-enactment events held there. Visit the birthplace of Pepsi. A beautiful city with a depth of history few American cities can surpass, this is a high point in North Carolina Tourism.

"A word of advice if you're tempted to merely pass through New Bern, NC, en route to the ever popular Outer Banks: Don't. A quick stopover won't do it justice," Nancy Bearden Henderson, New York Times, April 26, 1998. Among its waterfront properties are some of the 200+ architectural landmarks spanning three centuries. The National Register of Historic Places lists the entire 56-square block down district. The areas adjacent to New Bern offer incredibly diverse environments, from the deep sea, to the Sound, to the Estuary and the lowlands of the Croatan Forest. Where else could one dine on "pavé de boef á la francaise" the same day one spots a black bear, an alligator, or a venus fly-trap? And then, the next day, head out for some deep sea fishing, or body surfing in the Atlantic?

Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens
610 Pollock Street, (252) 514-4900
Tryon Palace (c.1770), was known in colonial times as one of the most beautiful public buildings in America. The elegant Georgian-style mansion served as both home of Royal Governor William Tryon and the capitol of the Colony of North Carolina.

After the Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace became the capitol of the independent State of North Carolina. Restored to it 18th-centrury glory, Tryon Palace is furnished with and outstanding collection of antiques and art. The grounds are devoted to extensive gardens ranging from English formal gardens to a kitchen garden to wilderness garden areas.

The complex includes three contrasting homes of exceptional beauty: the John Wright Stanly House (c.1783), a stately home built by the Revolutionary War patriot: the Dixon-Stevenson House (c.1830), a prominent Federal-style home noted for its rare NeoClassical antiques and the Robert Hay House (c.1805) where a "hands on" tour is offered. Interpreters in period costumes conduct tours all year and each landmark has a marvelous story to tell. An audio/visual orientation program and crafts demonstration, including cooking in the Tryon Palace kitchen, basket weaving and blacksmithing, are offered daily. There are a number of special events, such as the Christmas Candlelight Tours, Christmas Celebration Tours, Gardener's Weekend, Chrysanthemum Festival, spring, summer and fall flower displays and Summer Drama Tours.

In addition, The New Bern Academy, situated in New Bern's oldest residential district, invites exploration of New Bern's history from the settlement period of 1710 through the Civil War. Special focus is given to topics of early education, New Bern architecture and builders, and the story of New Bern as a Union city in the midst of the Confederacy.

Attmore-Oliver House
513 Broad Street, (252) 638-8558
This home (c.1790), headquarters for the New Bern Historical Society, Exhibits 18th-and 19th-century furniture and New Bern historical objects, including Civil War artifacts.
Entrance located at 510 Pollock Street.

Birthplace of Pepsi
256 Middle Street, (252) 636-5898
On this spot in his pharmacy, Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink" which later he patented as Pepsi-Cola©. Today, you can relax and enjoy a Pepsi-Cola© at the recreated soda fountain.

Bank of the Arts
317 Middle Street, (252) 638-2787
This former bank building(c.1913), headquarters of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery, is both a cultural and an architecture treat. The classical facade of lonic columns provides a grand entrance for the two-story gallery. Detailed pilasters and Corinthian columns have been highlighted by colors in the Beaux Arts motif, Changing exhibitions of various media such as painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, and fiber art by artists of the southeastern United States are provided free of charge in the gallery area.

Cedar Grove Cemetery
Corner of Queen and George Streets, (252) 636-4000
In this cemetery are graves that date back to the earliest days of our nation. There is a monument for the Confederate dead which contains graves of 70 soldiers.

Cherry Point MCAS
Cherry Point, (252) 466-4906
This is the largest Marine Corps Air Station in the nation . Tours are available and might include observation of military working dogs, flying squadrons such as Harriers, search-and-rescue helicopters, a crash fire & rescue demonstration, or windshield tour of the air station.

Croatan National Forest
141 E. Fisher Avenue, (252) 638-5628
This was one site of a battle that was fought in New Bern during the Civil War. Outdoor recreation opportunities include camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing.

A Day At The Farm
183 Woodrow McCory Rd., (252) 514-9494
Enjoy this historic dairy farm where you'll see the old dairy barns, milking equipment and period antiques. Other areas of interest include a pumpkin patch, peanut patch, fish & duck pond, farm animals, playground, hay rides and more.

Farmers Market
421 S. Front Street, (252) 638-4408.
Fresh local produce is available. Also a location for special community gatherings and events.

Firemen's Museum
408 Hancock Street, (252) 636-4087
This building, beside the modern Broad Street fire station in New Bern, houses steam pumpers and an extensive collection of early firefighting equipment, along with rare photographs, Civil War relics, and even the mounted head of a faithful old firehorse named Fred, who died while answering an alarm.

National Cemetery
National Avenue, (252) 637-2912
The graves of brave soldiers who fought and died for our country make up this cemetery.

New Bern Civic Theater
414 Pollock Street, (252) 633-0567
Performances at the Saax Bradbury Playhouse in downtown New Bern include dramas, comedies, musicals and even productions in sign language.

New Bern Tours (Trolley Tour)
333 Middle Street, (252) 637-7316
Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a 90-minute Trolley Car Tour of downtown New Bern. Professional guides will account the fascinating details of their former royal capital of North Carolina

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